A couple weekends ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by my local West Elm store here in Miami. I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw what the project was: a DIY macramé plant hanger by Yerbamala Designs! Now, to explain my enthusiasm I have to tell you that I’ve recently taken on the challenge of owning houseplants. This shouldn’t be a big deal, but THIS IS A BIG DEAL for me. Okay? Okay.

I’m relatively new at this, but I’ve made it a couple months now with a flourishing Bird of Paradise who is lovely and charming all you could hope for in a plant, and a pain in the butt remarkably fickle Fiddle Leaf Fig. She’s a real jerk. She stays alive just enough to taunt me, but I’m not giving up on her yet. Mark my words, she’s gonna flourish, even if I have to hot glue some fake leaves onto her branches! (Wait, can I actually do that?)

Now that I’m embracing my new identity as the crazy cat lady of houseplants, I want them everywhere! I love how a few (or a couple dozen) houseplants really make my home come alive. (Ok, so a couple of mine are still fake, but I told you I was new at this, right?) Anyway, I had the perfect little corner desperate for a hanging plant, and I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on one. So, when I had the opportunity to be coached through the process of making my own macramé plant hanger, I couldn’t have been more excited!

Yanira (Yadi) Lopez and Alexis Oliva are the incredibly talented husband-and-wife duo who created Yerbamala Designs. Their original modern-meets-boho collection of macramé pieces are fresh, inspiring, and intricately beautiful. From their hand-crafted wall hangings to their plant hangers, each piece is unique and incredibly detailed.

They shared a bit of their story and guided us step-by-step as we made our own macramé plant hangers. Yadi and Alex are both Cuban natives who came to the U.S., love to travel, and enjoy the artisan culture of Miami. One glance at their Instagram gives you a peek at their covetable collection of houseplants, so, you know, I was instantly a fan. And after spending the afternoon with them, I discovered that they are as genuinely kind as they are talented.

So, if you’re a local Miamian and want to check out one-of-a-kind products by Yerbamala Designs or just take the opportunity to meet Alex and Yadi, follow their Instagram at @yerbamaladesigns for upcoming workshops and events. They can also often be seen at the Art District’s Miami Flea event, which takes place every third Sunday. Stop by their booth, admire the craftsmanship of their designs, and tell them I say hi!

Ladies, let’s be honest with ourselves. We aren’t the easiest to shop for, am I right? We may make lists and distribute them to all essential personnel, but on Christmas morning, we always look forward to some sort of surprise. An extra special something that didn’t make it on our wish list. Something to show that your gift-giver went above and beyond. That he or she knows you well enough to pick out that special something that you didn’t even know you wanted. (Fellas, are you panicking yet? Keep your shirt on.) To help you out in this department, I put together a gift guide for her. From the hostess to the techie, you’ll be covered with this. . .

TWO – Give her the gift of perfect wavy curls with this styling wand. It comes with interchangeable barrels, so she can easily change up the intensity of curls. I love love love this brand of hair styling tools. I own the blow dryer and flat iron, and I’m confident the curling wand is equally amazing. Plus, it comes is this super chic white and rose gold. You can’t go wrong.

THREE – This pom key fob has been added to my online shopping cart at least a dozen times, only to be left out in the cold as I closed the window without purchasing. It is a little pricey for a key chain, but it can also be added to any handbag for a fun little flair. Besides, BaubleBar keeps offering some amazing promos during the holiday season. Keep an eye out! (Psst – if you don’t want to take the plunge on this keychain, I can show you how to DIY a great tassel keychain over here!)

FOUR – I have recently been on the hunt for some great slippers, and this adorable pair totally fits the bill. She’ll probably never pay a high price tag for her own slippers, but what a fun way to splurge on a little extra luxury for her! She’ll be totally surprised, and I guarantee she’ll wear them every day. (You can’t even say that about a great pair of heels!)

FIVE – How chic is this geometric picture frame? I love that you can add it to any tabletop, desk, or nightstand, and it’s beautiful from all angles! You can’t argue with this pricepoint either. At under $15, it’s so affordable, and will look great with a photo of you and her already printed out and placed inside.

SIX – There’s nothing quite like a personalized gift. It shows that you didn’t just pick up any old thing from a clearance bin and slap a bow on it.This initial alpha cuff will go great on its own or mixed into her existing arm party. Scoop one up with her initial, and gift it to her in the monogrammed jewelry box! Double brownie points 😉

SEVEN – Are you shopping for an avid reader? Does she like to display books in the living room? Consider surprising her with this set of geode agate bookends to dress up her book collection. They instantly add interest to a display, and the price is amazing at only $10!

EIGHT – I bet she can’t get through the day without her phone, whether she’s fielding calls, snapping photos, or replying to emails. Make sure she stays at 100% with this cute portable cellphone charger.

So whether you’re shopping for your wife, girlfriend, or bestie, there’s still plenty of time to scoop up one of these great gifts for her. She’ll be touched by the gesture, and she’ll love that you surprised her with a little something extra that wasn’t on her list. For your convenience, you can shop these items directly by clicking on any of the links or by scrolling through the widget below. It’ll take you directly to the retailer’s site. Now you have no excuses!

Shop these gifts!

Wait. Don’t move. Did you guys just feel that? It was the tiniest hint of a cool front in the air, even all the way down here in Miami. I’m scared to blink, or it’ll all go away as quickly as it came. This arctic dip into the upper 60s has me thinking all these crazy thoughts of sipping hot cocoa and gazing at twinkly lights under a cozy blanket. I even allowed myself to wear a faux fur vest out of the house. . . for a whopping 15 minutes.

I love this time of year. Thanksgiving. A time when we hit snooze on regular life and get to enjoy this precious paused moment in time with those around us. I’m thankful for so much this year: our family, our health, our home, and our friends who make it all that much more enjoyable. I’m also thankful for you. This blog has been a creatively cathartic outlet, and I really, really appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts and share your own as well.

I’m reminding myself to be intentionally thankful, even though it’s easy to focus on the tasks, to-dos. and the things that need fixing, like our oven that decided to give up on life just days before we planned to host Thanksgiving dinner. It’s so important to slow down and reflect on the things we’re grateful for. So, rather than crying about my broken oven, (or my air conditioner that took the plunge a week before my oven did. Sigh. I guess we’re just in that stage of homeownership when everything just falls apart. . .) I’m choosing to be thankful, instead, for a wonderful friend who graciously let me make a mess in her gorgeous new kitchen twice this week. (That amazing calligraphy in the photos below? That’s her work, too.)

Since I obviously can’t bake anything at my house these days, I had to come up with a back-up plan and search for a festive recipe for no-bake treats. Pinterest to the rescue! (Seriously, guys, where were we a decade ago when Pinterest didn’t exist? Walking around like cave people without mason jars, chalkboard everything, and step-by-step tutorials on how to get your eyebrows on fleek, no doubt.) Well, I found a super simple recipe for a traditional pumpkin pie alternative, and it’s quite amazing (no mason jars required).

No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits

Prep time: 20 minutes; Yields: 4 servings

I found this recipe on Pinterest, but the original recipe* can be found here. (*I minorly tweaked the recipe, because I was lazy and didn’t feel like making my own whipped cream this time around. My kids were screaming. It was a time-saving survival situation.)

Ingredients:

One 4 oz. brick cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

18-20 ginger snap cookies, ground into fine pieces

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer. Slowly add sugar and mix until smooth. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until combined. Gently fold about 1/3 cup whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture.

Assemble the parfaits by layering the ground cookies, pumpkin mixture, and whipped cream. Repeat once or twice depending on the size of the glass. Garnish with cookie crumbs or nutmeg, if desired.

And there you have it. So simple to make, and quite enjoyable to eat! Besides, nothing makes me feel fancier than eating dessert with a demitasse spoon. Take that, broken oven. I dare you to try to ruin Thanksgiving! I’m excited to add these parfaits to the Thanksgiving menu this year. I think they’ll get along perfectly well with our traditional favorites.

What dishes are you looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? What are you most thankful for? I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friends. Cheers!

“Give THANKS to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

These days, I’m all about simplicity, multitasking, and efficiency. My schedule doesn’t lend itself to a lot of free time, and (let’s be honest) my budget doesn’t have tons of freedom either. That means my decisions have to save me time and money. So I was really excited when some great girlfriends introduced me to LuLaRoe, a “stylishly comfortable” line of clothing run by women for women. I’m not sure how I hadn’t heard of it until now, but after looking into it a bit, I saw that it’s sweeping across the country and making its way into the closets of tens of thousands of fashion-savvy gals!

The clothes are simple, stylish, and affordable, but what drew me in hook, line, and sinker was the comfort. They offer several styles of tees, skirts, dresses, and leggings, and they’re all unbelievably comfortable. You guys, I swear I feel like I’m wearing yoga pants even in their pencil skirts. No matter what I have on my to-do list, I know I can throw on a LuLaRoe piece and be comfortable all day long while still looking put-together.

Now, you know I’m a relatively simple girl when it comes to style. I like to have fun with fashion, but my go-to looks are almost always comprised of some concoction of basics. I have to really love a print to commit to it, and some of the LuLaRoe patterns are a little out of my personal comfort zone, but this Cassie style cheetah print skirt? This was smack dab in the middle of my comfort zone. It just crawled right up into my lap and begged me to take it home.

So today, for all you ladies on-the-go, I’m showing you the LuLaRoe Cassie skirt styled three ways: The Professional, The Weekender, and The Happy Hour.

The Professional

Take your Cassie skirt to the office by pairing it with a clean, white tee and topping it with a blazer. Step into some pumps, grab your coffee, and go! Not only will you look chic and put-together, but you’ll be comfortable and confident that you won’t be tugging your skirt down all day. Plus, with LuLaRoe’s thick, stretchy fabric, you don’t even have to undo that top button after eating your lunch burrito. Go for the extra guac, my friends. Live it up. No one’s judging.

The Weekender

The Cassie skirt isn’t just for Monday through Friday. Kick off your stilettos and lace up your little white sneakers. Your early morning coffee run just got a little more chic! Pair it with a knit sweater and your favorite weekend shopper tote and run your errands in style. From the supermarket to the park, you’re set with this look.

The Happy Hour

Whether it’s the weekend or just 5:00 somewhere, grab drinks with the ladies in the Cassie skirt. The slim silhouette looks great with a relaxed tank and some statement baubles. Drape a leather jacket over your shoulders in the chillier months (or just in the chilly a/c… I’m looking at you, Miami) and glam up your feetsies with some metallic pumps and you’re set for a night out with your besties.

How To Get It

Wondering how you can get your hands on your own Cassie skirt? You have a few options. LuLaRoe offers boutique-style shopping through their representatives. My gals, Marelys and Janelle, recently started up their LuLaRoe shop called Sparkle & Roe Boutique and offer the clothing for purchase on their Facebook site (it’s a closed group, but just send a request and you’re in!) OR you can sign up to host a pop-up shop and earn free clothes! Host a few of your favorite ladies and browse the merchandise from the comfort of your own home (maybe while sipping on some bubbly?). Marelys and Janelle are Miami locals, but they will ship to those of you who don’t live in the 3-0-5. (Psst – be on the lookout for some Black Friday deals. You won’t want to miss it!)

So, tell me… what are your thoughts on the LuLaRoe Cassie skirt? Which look is your favorite, and how would you style it? Also, call me when you’re grabbing that lunch burrito. I want to get in on that extra guac. Have a great weekend, friends! Xo!

The holiday season is officially upon us! We’re well into November, and I’m definitely starting to feel the holiday cheer. Storefronts (and even online retailers) are already decked out in red, gold, and silver, and it’s definitely nudging me to start thinking of a few other metallics I have my eye on . . . jewelry!

Now, I’m normally a pretty simple gal when it comes to accessories. Not for lack of interest in big bling, but more for practicality in this stage of life. It’s just not pragmatic to wear my best statement earrings when, for most of the day, I’m toting around a very curious little 14 month old. (Anyone ever have their earlobes split? Ouch! Thankfully, I’ve only heard horror stories and not experienced this myself, but NO THANKS.)

But, let’s be honest, I can only be sensible for so long before diving into my jewelry tray and blingin’ out. Lately, though, I’ve felt like my baubles have lacked a little luster, so I’ve curated a little list of pieces that I have my eye on. This list can also be titled: “Dear Jonny Santa.”

Let’s talk about my current jewelry cravings.

BaubleBar “Courtney” Bib Necklace – Whether paired with cutoff denim or tucked neatly into a skirt, I love wearing basic tees. Adding a great bib necklace really elevates the look and adds an element of chicness. (That’s a word, yes?)

Nameplate Necklace – I love this one from Gemma Collection for it’s simplicity. I currently have a nameplate necklace with my kids’ names on it, but it was ordered from a cheap online discount site and has seen better days. I’d love to kick it up a notch and have a special piece that will last me years and years. There’s something really special about having the names of two people I love the most so close to my heart. (HOLIDAY HINT: Psst! This makes a GREAT gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list!)

Daniel Wellington Classy Sheffield Watch – This leather strap watch has been on my wish list for quite a while now. I love the combo of the black leather with the rose gold face. A great staple piece for every day wear.

BaubleBar Acid Fringe Tassel Drops – My gal over at A Sparkle Factor first introduced me to these beauties. You know I love a good tassel (remember this DIY Tassel Keychain?), and the beading on these drop earrings is just so so good. They come in a wide spectrum of colors, but I love the charcoal. I’d pair them with a white tee and jeans or a great cocktail dress, and equally enjoy them with both!

Kate Spade Glitter Studs – These have caught my eye for the past two Christmas seasons, and I can’t believe I haven’t scooped them up yet. The multicolor glitter is equal parts classy and fun! Seriously, what can you NOT wear with these beauties?

BaubleBar “Festival” Tassel Bracelet – Here I go with the tassels again! I’m sure the time will come when tassels will have seen their days and become obsolete, but that time is not now nor anytime soon, so I’ll keep whistlin’ my tune. This bracelet comes in a few different colors, and I’m having a really hard time deciding which one I want most. Oh fine, I’ll take one of each.

BaubleBar Cabochon Stud Cuff – I love to invite a good cuff to an arm party, and this one seems like just the right attendee. It’s simple, but packs a punch with the marbled cabochons that come in a variety of colors. And the best part? This baby comes in standard and petite sizes, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off your wrist if you’re on the more slender side.

Shop These Pieces

Are you keeping your eye on baubles this season? What pieces stand out to you? Let me know! (If I love them too, can we share? This is why we’re besties!)

We all know the importance of having a great Little Black Dress (LBD) in our sartorial arsenal. They’re perfect for almost any occasion — never too dressed up or too casual. I have a few I always fall back on when the dress code of an event is unclear, and it usually ends up looking far more chic than I feel. While shopping in New York City last week, I found this Little Black Sweater Dress, and instantly loved it. I’m not always a fan of a sweater dress, honestly. I often feel a little matronly in most styles I’ve tried, but there was something very modern about this one. Plus, the lack of sleeves sold me, since it’s basically the only way I can justify wearing a giant turtleneck in Miami. (Guys, WHEN are we going to catch a break down here?? I mean, it’s November, and we’re still lingering in the upper 80’s. No bueno.)I found this dress at Forever 21 for a STEAL. Like, cheaper than my morning coffee. It was on clearance in black, plus I had a tiny amount left on a gift card. I had no choice. It came home with me. Unfortunately, the black is sold out online, but it is available in a brick red, which is PERFECT for the holiday season! I can picture wearing it to my next Friendsgiving. (Sidebar: want to learn how to host your own Friendsgiving? Learn how over at A Sparkle Factor!)

I was excited to wear my new Little Black Sweater Dress in NYC, so I chose to layer a simple black longsleeve tee underneath and also paired it with black opaque tights and over-the-knee boots. I wanted to give it a try here in Miami, so I made a couple easy tweaks to the outfit. I 86’ed the tee and tights, and paired it with peep-toe ankle boots to keep it a little lighter. I’ll admit, it was still a little heavy for a sunny Miami day, but I can’t wait to wear it in the evenings when the temperature drops to at least (::gasp) 70 degrees.

If you love this look, you can shop the style directly by clicking the photos below! My ankle boots are from Old Navy and aren’t available online anymore, so I linked TONS of affordable styles that are very similar. I also linked the exact dress I’m wearing (but in the brick color) as well as a few other similar styles.

Shop This Look

What do you think about the Little Black Sweater Dress? How would you choose to style it? The possibilities really are endless!

I had such an amazing getaway last week in NYC with my best friend, and I’m excited to share with you all a small glimpse of some of the fun we had! That week in the City was a much needed break from reality. Although it wasn’t exactly restful in the I’m-sitting-on-a-beach-sipping-margaritas sense, it was rejuvenating and invigorating. We filled every minute, and didn’t waste time doing foolish things like sleeping (an option we probably should have reconsidered). In this post, I’ll be sharing with you a sample of what we did, where we ate, and what I wore.

First off, the weather was PERFECT. Fall is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp and cool without being too chilly, the trees are all gilded in gold and orange, and a hint of the holidays is on the horizon. Lyla would visit me all the time when Jonny and I lived in NYC, but this was her first time in the City during the Fall. I was so excited to share my favorite season in my favorite city with her, and now I’m excited to share these moments with you!

Almost all of these pictures were taken on our iPhones, despite being prepared with a great travel DSLR. These snapshots were taken on-the-go, and I don’t regret enjoying the moments in real time rather than through a camera lens, even if I had to sacrifice the quality of photos for quality of memories.

After an absurdly long wait at the airport, and a near-miss with lost luggage, we kicked off our trip by checking into The New Yorker Hotel. Jonny is a wizard when it comes to booking airfare and hotels on the cheap, and he scored us this hotel basically for free. We had a view of the Empire State Building, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, The Freedom Tower, and The Statue of Liberty all from our lofty corner room! Even after living there for two years, I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t psyched about those views!

What We Did

Brooklyn Bridge – I love walking the bridge when the weather is nice, and it helps that my favorite pizza place happens to be right at the finish line (well, almost). It’s a well-deserved treat after the long walk.

Window shopping at Chelsea Market, South Street Seaport, and SoHo. The seaport has gone downhill quite a bit since we lived there, and seems to be perpetually under construction, but they still have a few little pop up shops that are fun to stroll past. Chelsea Market also has some fun little finds, especially if you’re in the market for dainty little accessories or vintage baubles. And then SoHo somehow makes you feel super important and super poor, all at the same time. But it’s still fun to browse through all the designer merch.

Central Park – We strolled through the park at every opportunity and even took a bike tour on a rickshaw (super touristy, I know. I don’t even mind admitting that it was so fun! I learned a lot about the park from our helpful tour guide. I’m pretty sure we broke his bike though. Sorry, Yousef!)

Taylor Swift’s SoHo apartment – Wait, what? I wasn’t supposed to admit that, but fine. I’ll own it. I’ve been a long time fan (circa 2006, when her hair was a frizzy perm and she was strumming an acoustic to lyrics she wrote in Algebra class). It’s just nice to see she’s doing well for herself these days, and I thought I’d check in. Moving right along. Nothing to see here, people.

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon – Joining the audience for a live taping definitely requires some prep work, but it was so worth it! Lyla and I are both big fans of Jimmy Fallon. (Ok, did I redeem myself for that awkward little Taylor Swift moment?) This was so worth the battle of securing tickets months in advance!

Le Bain Rooftop – This place can get a little “iffy” afterhours, but the night view of the city from the rooftop is amazing. We sipped some champagne early in the evening before it got overcrowded.

230 Fifth Rooftop – This was our favorite spot for a fun night out. The views are INCREDIBLE, and the white peach martini doesn’t disappoint. On chilly nights, they even offer robes to keep you roasty toasty. We may or may not have sampled them ourselves.

The High Line – We ambled along this mile and a half long elevated park and took in the views. It’s pretty cool to see how they converted an old unused railroad line into a park. It’s also a nice, quiet break from the busy city below.

P.D.T. – Slipping into this kitschy speakeasy isn’t the easiest. And truth be told, the process of getting into the not so secret bar through a telephone booth in a hotdog shop is far more thrilling than actually spending any amount of time there. Nevertheless, it was a fun thing to check off our list. Don’t bother going without reservations unless you’re prepared to wait close to an hour and a half for less-than-desirable drinks.

Broadway – It would be a shame to visit Manhattan and not see a Broadway play or musical. I love the theatre, and was psyched when we won the ticket lottery to see Aladdin the Musical! For just $30, we saw the matinee show, and it was amazing. It may have made the cut in my Top 5 favorite plays/musicals. (Check out this site for more info on the Broadway rush lottery. I have my friend, Sarah, to thank for the tip!)

Where We Ate

Pure Thai Cookhouse on 9th Ave b/w 51st and 52nd St – Lyla is a huge fan of Thai food, so we ate here more than once. It’s amazing and affordable! Try any flavor of the sticky rice for dessert. I’m sad I’m not eating it at this exact moment.

Magnolia Bakery – Cupcakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, please and thank you. The original West Village location is my favorite.

Morimoto – an upscale Japanese restaurant with specialty dishes in the Meatpacking District. If you’re gonna splurge on dinner, this is the place to do it.

Best Bagel & Coffee on 35th Street b/w 7th and 8th Ave – I couldn’t get enough of the breakfast sandwiches. Their bagels are divine and loaded with schmear.

Grimaldi’s for authentic Brooklyn pizza – I know there’s drama with Juliana’s next door, and I’m sure at some point I’ll have to do my due diligence and give them a shot, but for old-time’s sake, I stuck with the tried and true and ate an absurd amount of margherita pizza.

Eataly on 5th Ave and 23rd St – This is a great spot for authentic Italian eats. You can shop the market for pantry items or dine in at one of their many mini-restaurants throughout. We brought our Caffe Lavazza hot chocolate to the rooftop and enjoyed the warmth and the views. (Can you tell I have a thing for rooftops?)

Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring St in SoHo – While I wasn’t about to wait in a two hour line at 7 am for the coveted and trendy cronut, I was thrilled to scoop up the lesser-known DKA, “Dominique’s Kouign Amann” (tender, flaky, croissant-like dough with a caramelized crunchy crust). Is your mouth watering yet? It should be. It was to die for.

The Kati Roll on MacDougal and Bleeker – I saved an old-time favorite for last. Jonny first introduced me to this tiny hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant back in 2006 when he was interning in NYC. I dream of their chicken tikka rolls at night. It has just the right amount of spice and flavor without being overwhelming. This time around, Lyla introduced me to the Lassi, an Indian smoothie-like drink, which pairs perfectly with the kicky tikka rolls. There’s barely enough room to sit down in the restaurant, but I would eat standing up in the broom closet if I had to. ‘Cuz I’m classy like that.

What I Wore

I got way too distracted romping around the City with Lyla to plan any organized outfit photos. I’m pretty much the least-organized blogger when I get distracted. You’re a gem for sticking around my site as long as you have. This is why my readers are the best! Anyway, despite my lack of great outfit photos, I’ll do my best to showcase some of my favorite pieces that were perfect for a Fall getaway.

Comfort is a necessity when I’m doing any kind of traveling, but I still wanted to look put-together, so I chose to wear my black leather leggings with a simple black tee on the plane. I threw on this oversized wrap cardigan to stay warm once I touched down in NY. (Plus, it felt like I was wrapped up in a huge blanket on the plane!) I wore wedge booties that were easy to slip on and off through airport security and were surprisingly comfortable for a fair amount of city walking. And of course, I loaded up my favorite backpack with all my travel necessities for the trip.

Although our hotel was central to most of our daily activities, we didn’t want to have to go back to change throughout the day. I needed a chic trench to stay warm and carry my looks from day to night. My exact trench is BCBGeneration from Saks Off Fifth outlet, and no longer available online, so I linked to a similar one. I love this leopard print sweater from Old Navy. It perfectly transitioned from day to night by switching out my go-to denim for a faux-leather mini skirt.

The last look I managed to catch on camera was one of my favorites. I love a great Breton striped sweater, and I paired mine (which is old from Target, but I linked a very similar one below) with a faux-leather mini from H&M (another similar one also linked below). To keep warm, I layered some opaque black tights underneath and slipped into my flat over-the-knee leather boots (once again, mine are old, so I linked the ones I’m currently loving). I topped it all off with a lightweight longline coat in a dusty gray-blue.

There are a few pieces that didn’t make it into any blog-worthy outfit photos, but I want to share them with you. I found this scarf in the B.P. section at Nordstrom for only $20, and it instantly became one of my faves. It’s big and blankety (that’s a word, right?), but not heavy and bulky. I also loved wearing my Sam Edelman suede booties, but they didn’t appear in a single picture from the entire trip. How did that even happen? I scooped them up last year around this time at Nordstrom Rack, so they aren’t current anymore, but I linked a similar style. They go with everything. I basically lived in them for three months straight last Fall, and I see a similar pattern approaching this year. One of the very few things I purchased on this trip was this sleeveless turtleneck sweater dress in black (the “brick” color is also gorgeous). It was on clearance, and somehow I ended up getting it for $1.47. That’s not a typo. It was cheaper than my morning coffee. I wore it layered over a long sleeve tee while in NY, and later this week, I’ll show you how I’m wearing it here in no-hint-of-Fall Miami.

If you find yourself in NYC this Fall, I hope you check out some of these spots and let me know what you think! If you want more details or other recommendations, let me know. This was just a taste of our trip, but there’s much more where this came from. I hope you enjoyed following along!

No matter how many different pieces of clothing I have in my wardrobe, I feel like I always fall back on a handful of my favorites. I live and breathe in these go-to basics. They’re comfortable and practical, and I can still look chic while chasing after my headstrong preschooler and somewhat mobile little ambler. But even I get sick of the same tops and tees after a while. All it takes is a little tweaking to pull myself out of these “basics blues.”

I wear this gray sweater all. the. time. Probably once a week, at least. It’s almost embarrassing. It’s just a cheap knit from Forever 21 I scooped up YEARS ago, but it just pairs so well with anything from cut-off denim shorts and Converse to this faux leather pleated skirt and suede heels. And as much as I love shopping and picking up new pieces, it’s a good reminder that I don’t always need to be buying new things to have a fresh look. Sometimes you just need to breathe a little life into some older items to make them feel fresh and fun again.

I love the how a luxe faux leather can make this simple knit top look far more chic than it seems on the hanger. I threw on some statement baubles and suede heels and took the look from play date to date night.

Have you been successful in breaking out of the “basics blues?” What are some of your favorite ways to elevate your basics? I love hearing from you, so let me know! Here’s to a great weekend, friends!

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The past several months have been so hectic around here. I feel slightly (okay, overwhelmingly) over-committed, and I just don’t know how to stop it. I’m out-of-control busy. And I think sometimes I confuse busyness for productiveness. For significance. If I don’t have time to sit down and sip my entire cup of coffee in the morning, that must mean I’m really important. Because sipping coffee is for lazy people. Obviously. (I’m majorly rolling my eyes here. I understand how ridiculous this idea is, now that it’s typed in print.)

I so genuinely enjoy everything I’m committed to; I really don’t want to give anything up. But the problem is that I’m forgetting how to embrace rest, a concept I’m repeatedly being reminded of lately. I’m becoming weary in my daily routine, and I just don’t have the stamina to keep up much longer without establishing a healthy rhythm of rest. I know I’m not the only one. I bet you’re exhausted too.

While I’m still praying about how to prioritize rest in my regular routine, I do have a chance to embrace rest this coming week. On Thursday, I’m taking a trip with my best friend, Lyla, to my favorite city! It’s only my second time going back to New York since Jonny and I lived there. Ready for the best part? It’s without kids. (!!!) It goes without saying that I love my children, and I’ll miss them dearly while I’m gone. (Every mother feels she has to make that defensive declaration when she embraces rest, right?) But every mother needs a moment to stop and recharge without feeling guilty about it. We’re not effective in our roles without moments of intentional rest.

So, as I start packing for this much anticipated trip, I’m going to share with you a few of my travel essentials. Here’s What’s In My Bag: Travel Edition! I’ll be using my favorite go-to Rebecca Minkoff “Julian” backpack as my carry-on (and probably most days walking around the City as well).

The Daily Edit:

My wallet: obviously essential.

iPhone and Mophie juice pack case: because my sad phone won’t hold a charge past 11am without a little help. My phone and I are similar in this way.

Travel camera: No bloggerperson should be without a camera in the City, but it’s just not practical to lug around a huge DSLR. My bestie is lending me her Sony Alpha camera. Here’s hoping I can figure it out in time!

Granola bar: I’m a monster when I’m hungry. No one needs to see that. These dark chocolate mocha Kind bars speak my language.

Sunglasses: So I can throw some serious shade at fellow subway riders, but do so fashionably.

Glittery notebook and lipstick pen: I always like to have a notebook and pen on me in case inspiration hits, or, you know, I run into Taylor Swift on those SoHo streets and need an autograph. Don’t pretend you don’t want it too!

The Plane Edit:

This month’s glossy: I intend to actually read this one, instead of using the pages as a coaster on my side table.

Headphones: Because my ears can never comfortably accommodate those obnoxious earbuds. This pair was only $5 from the Target Dollar Spot! I mean, they might break mid-flight, but I’m willing to take that risk.

The Personal Edit:

Cute printed hankies: When they’re white, they’re just tissues, but when they’re printed with flamingos, they’re hankies! You know, for the sniffles… (These were part of a consolation gift from my sweet friend Sarah after my house got broken into. There were tears. These helped.)

Hand sanitizer: Because New York. And Eiw.

Lip balm: I’m shamelessly addicted to this Honest Lip Balm, and it’s perfect to protect against the dry airplane air and New York wind.

Cute and discreet toiletry pouch: To store all my goodies in without getting lost in my backpack.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to take this much needed trip. Jonny has been incredibly supportive of it, and is even flying my mom down to Miami to help with the kids while I’m away. I fully intend to embrace the crap out of this restful week! Will you join me? Can you find a way to slow down, take a breath, and really rest? I know it’s hard, because you really do have an important job, and you really do matter. But you need rest. I need rest. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about that. Find a way to do just that this week, and let me know how you enjoyed the down time! I’ll celebrate with you! Follow along with my travels on Instagram, and let me know your favorite spots in NYC (it has been 6 years since I lived there). I’ll do my best to keep you up to date, unless I’m, you know, resting.

Who else is excited that it’s FRIDAY? Cue all the “girl raising hand” emojis! I love that, in this household, weekends equal family time. If we’re relaxing, we’re relaxing together. If we’re busy, at least we’re busy together. It’s been a long week full of to-dos, sick kids, meetings, and fundraisers, and I’m very much looking forward a little downtime. For one thing, bounce houses are on the menu, and that means my girl is going to have the biggest smile all weekend long. I can already picture her beautifully goofy little grin.

Speaking of menus, I don’t really love cooking on the weekends. (You probably could have removed the last three words of that sentence and it would still ring 100% true.) And as much as I would love to eat out all weekend, every weekend, I also like to pay my mortgage. Every once in a while I’m smart enough to think ahead and plan out a meal that will provide delicious leftovers all weekend long so I don’t have to cook very much. This recipe is the perfect mix of easy crockpot meal meets last-minute no-brainer. And it’s delicious. There’s a reason it’s all over Pinterest! Without further ado, here’s my. . .

Directions:

Step 1: Place chicken breasts on the bottom of the crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients, except cilantro, on top of the chicken. Don’t worry about mixing yet. Just unceremoniously dump and go. Cook on LOW about 4 hours or on HIGH about 2 hours. (Guys, what other crockpot recipe is ready to eat within 2 hours?? None. Thank you.)

Step 2: Once chicken breasts are cooked through, remove and shred with a fork.

Step 3: Return chicken to the crockpot and stir until all ingredients are mixed. It will not look pretty, but you will not care. Your house will smell delicious, and I double dog dare you not to sneak a taste every time you walk through your kitchen.

Step 4: Set crock pot on WARM until you’re ready to eat. Enjoy with tortilla chips and fresh cilantro sprinkled on top! (My husband also loves when I slice up some avocado and throw that on top too.)

*Note: I chose to leave out the corn this time. Sometimes I’m feeling it, sometimes I’m not. What? You’re not the boss of me. (Just kidding. Still friends?)

The great thing about this recipe (besides the fact that it tastes ah-ma-zing) is how quickly you can throw it together! I almost always have these ingredients on hand, and I can throw it in my crockpot well into the afternoon and still have dinner ready on time. You can even toss in your chicken breasts frozen if you forgot to defrost them, but you’ll have to let it cook for a while longer.

So try it out, and let me know what you think! Do you make something similar? Have any tips and tricks you want to share with the class? Leave a comment or send me a message! Have a great weekend!